Backyard theft mystery

FIRST 168 bricks of a retaining wall were stolen from Launceston not-for-profit St Giles.

Next a six-metre section of plastic fencing disappeared from around a vegetable patch in Vincent Street, Kings Meadows.

But the home-improvement thieves didn't stop there.

Kings Meadows teenager Brigitte Laherty and her family were relaxing on the back patio of their Blaydon Street home after work on Monday when they noticed something missing.

``We were just sitting there and suddenly realised the water feature was gone,'' Miss Laherty said.

The three-tiered plumbed-in plastic fountain had been plucked out of its gravel bed next to the back door, along with a statue of two owls on a log.

``We couldn't get our head around it. Who takes a water feature?'' Miss Laherty said.

A search of the garage revealed an old computer monitor, some games and an inflatable swimming pool, still in its box, had also been taken.

In the past week police have received eight reports of backyard thefts in Kings Meadows.

Also taken were garden tools, solar lights and an outdoor rocking chair.

Sergeant Darren Turner, who busted a garden gnome racket in George Town earlier in his career, said police were still investigating.

St Giles chief executive Ian Wright said a 30-metre long retaining wall at the charity's Newstead headquarters had been dismantled and stolen, with 140 blocks taken between Christmas and New Year's Day and a further 28 stolen yesterday.

Miss Laherty maintains the items were stolen to complete a summer DIY project.

``Someone has been doing their backyard up, I reckon,'' she said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Brigitte Laherty, 17, of Kings Meadows, outside the shed from which several items were stolen. Pictures: SCOTT GELSTON